Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums at Home – a Delicate and Tasty Dessert

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 12 chrysanthemums

If you are looking for a dessert that brings a smile to the faces of your loved ones, chrysanthemums are the perfect choice! This dessert not only looks wonderful but is also extremely delicious, being a perfect combination of fluffy dough and fine cream. It can be enjoyed as a sweet snack, perfect for the little ones' lunchboxes at kindergarten or school, but also as an elegant dessert for a festive meal.

The history of chrysanthemums takes us back to sweet traditions, where pastry dishes were often prepared with love and attention to detail, to bring joy to loved ones. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to pamper your family, these chrysanthemums will always be welcome.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 60 g vegetable fat (I recommend butter for a richer taste)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 200-300 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- a pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 50 g ground walnuts (you can also use almonds if you prefer)
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 1 egg
- 30 g flour
- 20 g cocoa

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix a cube of yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour, then add a little lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms on top. This step is essential, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise fluffy and airy.

Step 2: Prepare the dough
Sift the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast and start incorporating the flour into it. Gradually add the remaining ingredients: the egg, melted fat (preferably butter), sugar, and salt. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

Step 3: Knead the dough
Here comes the fun part! Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Let it rise in a warm place, covered with a damp towel, for one hour or until it doubles in volume.

Step 4: Prepare the cream
Meanwhile, you can prepare the cream. In a bowl, mix the egg with the melted butter and sugar until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Then add the ground walnuts, flour, and cocoa. Mix well to obtain a fine cream. Put the cream in the refrigerator to firm up a bit, which will make it easier to use.

Step 5: Form the chrysanthemums
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Divide it into 12 equal portions, forming small balls. Flatten each ball and place a teaspoon of cream in the center. Gather the edges of the dough to close the cream and flatten again.

Step 6: Create the petals
Here you can be creative! Using a knife, cut the flattened dough into petal shapes. Make sure to leave space in the middle to add sesame seeds, which will add a delicious taste and a crunchy look. Twist each petal upward, being careful to keep everything in the same direction.

Step 7: Bake
Place the chrysanthemums on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brush them with beaten egg for a shiny appearance. Sprinkle a little sesame on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until golden and fluffy.

Step 8: Serve
Once they have cooled slightly, the chrysanthemums are ready to serve! You can enjoy them plain or accompany them with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. They are also excellent with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate on top.

Useful Tips
- Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, so as not to kill the yeast.
- You can experiment with different fillings by adding pieces of dried fruit or chocolate to the cream.
- If you want to make them more festive, you can add food coloring to the cream or glaze the chrysanthemums after baking with sugar glaze.

Nutritional Benefits
Chrysanthemums offer a combination of carbohydrates from flour, healthy fats from butter, and proteins from eggs, making them an energizing snack. The nuts add a health note, being rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but in a smaller amount (about half the amount of fresh yeast).

2. How can I keep the chrysanthemums fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Can I make chrysanthemums dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the butter with margarine and the milk with plant-based milk.

Chrysanthemums are not just a dessert, but a little culinary art that you can share with your loved ones. Try this recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!